Nathan Fletcher Leaves the Republican Party

This morning Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher announced that he has decided to leave the republican party and will become an independent. Fletcher indicated at www.nathanfletcher.com that he has struggled with the decision but came to it in an effort to do “what was right for the city.” He decided to leave partisan politics.

Fletcher says in today’s political environment you are expected to “play the game and I have been told by many in the republican party that I am not very good at this. And there is a reason. I could care less about playing games. If you are small business owner struggling to make payroll, you don’t think it (politics) is a game.”

Fletcher continues with his populist message citing the plight of teachers, those who have lost their homes, as well as the un and underemployed, noting that all these groups do not view politics as a game. He says that nothing has changed in his core optimistic views about education and how the government should spend taxpayer money.

Fletcher also chides Councilman Carl DeMaio for his comment that he wants to make San Diego the “Wisconsin of the West.” Fletcher contends that “Wisconsin is defined by gridlock. We deserve better.” He also accuses Congressman Bob Filner of being “one of the most partisan members of Congress. Who tells you the only reason you should vote for him is simply because of his party affiliation. You deserve better.” Notably there was no mention of Bonnie Dumanis’ candidacy.

Fletcher in recent weeks was assailed by the DeMaio campaign for his votes against his party in support of LGBT issues like teaching LGBT history in schools and issuing driver’s licenses to transgender Californians that reflect their new gender. The DeMaio campaign labeled Fletcher the “most liberal republican.”

Fletcher ends with “I will be an independent mayor that will get things done. I hope you will join me.”